Daily meal frequency and associated variables in children and adolescents

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the frequency distribution of daily meals and its relation to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, anthropometric and biochemical factors in children and adolescents.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 708 schoolchildren aged 7–14 years. Data on personal information, socioeconomic status, physical activity and number of meals were obtained through semi-structured questionnaire and consumption by 24-h recall and food record. Weight and height measurements were also performed to calculate the body mass index. Finally, blood samples were collected for analysis of total cholesterol, high- and low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and glucose levels. Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney test, and Poisson regression were used in statistical analysis.ResultsMeal frequency <4 was associated in children, family income <3 Brazilian minimum wages (PR=5.42; 95% CI: 1.29–22.77; p=0.021) and adolescents, the number of sons in the family >2 (PR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.11–2.11; p=0.010). Even in the age group of 10–14 years,